Koyna Dam – Earthquake, Water Level Capacity & Info!

Koyna dam earthquake resistant feature makes it among biggest dams as well as hydroelectric power plants in the Maharashtra. Nowadays, the dam surrounding is emerging as a popular tourist destination near Satara. Even many resorts & hotels are establishing near the dam. As a result, a number of tourists are visiting this spot on weekends and also on other holidays. Furthermore, the beautiful lush green surrounding and serenity of dam makes it worth to visit this spot!

Information:

The dam is located at Koyna Nagar of Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This dam was constructed in 1963 and has a capacity of 98.78 TMC. The dam is situated amidst the dense green forests. Koyna Dam earthquake was the saddest incident in the history of this dam. The dam has very beautiful surroundings to spend a day with family and friends. There are few spots nearby the dam which makes this place a good spot for a short family trip. Apart from the popularity, it comes under one of the largest dams in India.

The natural beauty around the dam is heart pleasing. There are splashing waterfalls, paddy fields & greenery which attract a large number of tourists over here. This place is blessed with breathtaking valleys along with rugged hills. The most noteworthy thing is the dam is surrounded by Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a large number of animals.

Koyna Dam Earthquake & Capacity

The dam is facing many earthquakes since early times of its construction. The most destroying earthquake of 1967 developed few severe cracks in its body of the dam. On 11th December 1967 at 04:21 pm a devastating earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck the region Koyna region. This Koyna Dam Earthquake was resulted in 200 deaths, about 2200 injuries and left more than 5000 people homeless. Later on, the healing of cracks was done to improve its strength as well as capacity.

In addition to this, the dam was again strengthened in 1973 & 2006. Now the dam is safe against any future earthquake of more intensity than 7.0 Richter scale. This dam is the main source of water supply for Sangli city. It also serves as a huge hydroelectric power station for Maharashtra. It is among the biggest civil engineering projects carried out after Indian independence.

Surrounding Region

The main purpose of constructing this dam was to generate hydroelectric power. The dam is known as the lifeline of the state because Koyna Hydroelectric Power Station generates about 2200 MW power. Maharashtra State Electricity Boardruns the hydroelectric project. The position of spillway of the dam is at the center. It has total 6 radial gates. In addition to water storage, this dam plays a very important part of flood controlling in the monsoon season. In spite of devasting incidence of Koyna Dam earthquake, this reservoir is still proudly serving the people!

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Best Time To Visit: You can visit the dam all year round. However, months of June to February are ideal to visit this spot.

How To Reach There: Connectivity of Satara good with to all important cities in Maharashtra by road as well as by railway. One can easily reach here also by ST or other tourist buses.

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Hey guys..I am Kunal Patil! A travel blogger, author & founder of this blog from Mumbai. I am trying to show you the popular as well as unexplored leisure spots in the Maharashtra via this blog! Do subscribe!